The Sixers have been trying to dump Samuel Dalembert and his $13 million 2010-2011 salary off on the Houston Rockets since news broke that Yao Ming would miss the entire 09-10 season. Their hope was to get back the expiring contract of Tracy McGrady, though fillers would be necessary on Philly’s end. Trade talks have resumed recently and, according to Katie Fagan of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a source close to the situation has confirmed that the Houston Rockets will only discuss a deal with the Sixers if it involves Andre Iguodala. Iguodala was considered an untouchable by Sixers’ GM Ed Stefanski as recently as a season ago but this is the second trade scenario he’s been linked to this week, the first one involving the Cleveland Cavaliers. Iggy has more than $56 million remaining on his contract, which includes three more seasons.

PCPTAKE: A Dalembert/Iguodala for McGrady & Chase Buddinger deal would make a lot of sense for the both teams. The Sixers would shed two large contracts, allowing them to be players in the star studded 2010 free agent market & Buddinger is a decent prospect that could absorb some of Iggy’s minutes while developing.

Scott Lauber of the News Journal is reporting that the Philadelphia Phillies will be one of approximately 15 teams in attendance for 29-year-old left hander Noah Lowry’s Tuesday audtion. Lowry is seeking a one-year deal after battling thoracic outlet syndrome for the past several years. Lowry has not been an effective pitcher since 2005 but was once believed to be one of the most promising prospect in baseball (and member of my fantasy team).

The Phillies have signed center fielder Shane Victorino to a three-year deal worth $22 million dollars. The contract buys out Victorino’s two remaining arbitration eligible years and will keep Victorino in Philly through 2012 unless he is traded. The pact was first reported by Craig Calcaterra of Circling The Bases.

No no no, Jeremy Maclin didn’t win the Rookie of the Year Voting…but he did get ONE vote for rookie of the year. Minnesota’s Percy Harvin took home the honors, with Maclin, Knowshon Moreno of Denver, and Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace each receiving a vote a piece. Maclin finished his rookie campaign with 55 catches for 762 yards and 4 touchdowns.

EAGLES: A few days back I told you to keep an eye on TCU’s Jerry Hughes as a potential draft selection of the Philadelphia Eagles. In last night’s Fiesta Bowl, Hughes went without a sack but did apply constant pressure on Boise State’s quarterback Kellen Moore. Hughes forced a fumble in the game and deflected a pass from Moore. We’ve got a long way to go until the combine and draft, but Hughes name will likely be in play for the Philadelphia Eagles, who will draft towards the bottom of round 1 (maybe not too far to the bottom considering last week’s performance).

PHILLIES: According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki the Phils have extended a minor league offer to relief pitcher Scott Eyre. In other news, the team has agreed to a contract with Danny Baez pending a physical. Baez has the highest ground ball to fly ball ration of all available relievers and thus should be a good fit for Citizen’s Bank Park.

76ers: The team finished up a 5 game West Coast road trip with a victory over the Denver Nuggets. The team went 3-2 on the swing and may be turning the corner now that Lou Williams and Mareerse Speights are healthy and the players’s roles are becoming more clearly defined in new head coach Eddie Jordan’s system. Elton Brand continues to impress as the most overpaid 6th man in the NBA.